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Bortoleto Joins F1’s Elite – Rookie Sensation Ready to Carry Brazil’s Legacy in Formula 1: “I’m in F1 because I won F2, F3, like Piastri, Russell and Leclerc”

Publisher by Publisher
December 28, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Bortoleto Joins F1’s Elite – Rookie Sensation Ready to Carry Brazil’s Legacy in Formula 1: “I’m in F1 because I won F2, F3, like Piastri, Russell and Leclerc”

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 8, 2024 Invicta Racing's Gabriel Bortoleto celebrates after winning the Formula Two world championship REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

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Gabriel Bortoleto’s meteoric rise from junior categories to the Formula 1 grid has cemented his place among the sport’s brightest talents. The 2025 Sauber recruit has achieved what only a select few—Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri—have managed: winning both Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles as a rookie. Now, as the first Brazilian F1 driver since Felipe Massa, Bortoleto is poised to carry the hopes of a nation steeped in motorsport history.

From Humble Beginnings to F1 Stardom

Bortoleto’s single-seater career began in 2020, and by 2023, he had already clinched the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident. In 2024, he repeated the feat in Formula 2 with Invicta, overcoming early-season struggles to secure the title with grit and determination. Reflecting on his achievements, the 22-year-old said, “It’s not a coincidence. It has been a lot of hard work from the team and myself. Consistency was one of the biggest qualities across these seasons.”

The defining moment of his F2 campaign came at Monza, where he stormed from 22nd on the grid to win the feature race. “That was the moment I turned things around,” Bortoleto recalled. “By Monza, I was 38 points behind Isack Hadjar. After that, I took the championship lead in Baku, and everything started falling into place.”

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The Weight of Expectations and Comparisons

Joining Sauber alongside veteran Nico Hülkenberg, Bortoleto follows in the footsteps of Leclerc, Russell, and Piastri—drivers who transitioned from F2 champions to top-tier F1 talents. For the young Brazilian, being compared to such names is both an honor and a challenge.

“It’s a privilege to be part of that list,” Bortoleto said. “These drivers are race winners in F1, strong candidates for future titles, and an inspiration for younger generations. Now, it’s about looking forward and seeing what I can do in F1.”

While his rise has drawn praise from many, including reigning champion Max Verstappen, who lobbied for Sauber to sign him, Bortoleto remains focused on proving himself on the grid. “Winning F3 and F2 proved to myself that I deserve to be here. I didn’t get the deal because of anything else. I did this because I earned it.”

A New Brazilian Hope

Bortoleto enters F1 carrying the torch for a nation that has produced icons like Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Nelson Piquet. But the young star is not content with merely representing Brazil—he wants to add his name to the list of champions.

“I’m happy to represent my country, but that doesn’t satisfy me entirely,” Bortoleto said. “I want to be winning races in the future, fighting for important things, and making my country proud.”

Focus Shifts to Sauber

With Sauber transitioning to Audi in 2026 under Mattia Binotto’s leadership, Bortoleto’s 2025 season is set to be pivotal for both the driver and the team. Despite intense negotiations for his F1 contract, which concluded during the F2 season break, Bortoleto maintained his focus and delivered championship-winning performances.

“Mattia has been very, very good,” Bortoleto said of Binotto. “With the results I was earning in F2, it was clear we were progressing. Every race, I was improving as a driver, and the team saw the potential.”

Bortoleto’s first taste of F1 machinery came during post-season testing, a moment he described as transformative. “When I jumped into the Sauber for the test, it was so, so good. Zero pressure, just a new start and a new journey.”

The Road Ahead

As he prepares for his rookie F1 season, Bortoleto remains grounded but ambitious. With the backing of Sauber and a nation eager for another hero, his focus is on growth and performance. “F2 was the focus until I finished the season. Now it’s about improving as a driver and progressing in F1,” he said. “Let’s see how this one goes.”

Gabriel Bortoleto’s journey from junior champion to F1 rookie is a testament to hard work, talent, and determination. As he steps onto motorsport’s biggest stage, the Brazilian phenom is ready to make his mark—and perhaps, one day, write his name in the annals of F1 history.

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